Larry Shenk, Vice President of Alumni Relations, shares his notes, quotes and anecdotes from the world of baseball.

Long Ball Night

Last night was more like the Phillies of the past three seasons: the offense picked up the pitching.

Cole, uncharacteristically, struggled with his control but the offense took over, thanks to three home runs. This team is built on power and speed and those two attributes are starting to resurface.

Shane’s injury will be re-evaluated later today. Todd Zolecki will post the news as soon as it is available.

Weekly Conference CallRuben conducted his weekly conference call with his staff and pro scouts. Obvious topic this week is the 4 p.m. (EDT) trade deadline on Saturday. Ruben and his assistants will be going to Washington for the weekend.

Traveling HawaiianCame across the following note on the BlueClaws blog, the official blog of the Lakewood BlueClaws produced by Greg Giombarrese, Director, Media & Public Relations. It is a blog worth following.

“The Keoni De Renne Eastern Tour…IF Keoni De Renne has rejoined the BlueClaws, his third stint with the team this year…He began the season with the BlueClaws before going to Reading for two weeks (where he was the only R-Phil to get a hit off Stephen Strasburg)…He then went to Clearwater, was sent to extended spring training, then was reactivated by Clearwater…In early June, he was sent to Lakewood again, where he finished the half…On June 21st, it was back to Clearwater…In early July, he was sent to Reading and then Lehigh Valley, before re-joining the BlueClaws…Overall he is 24-78 (.308) in 30 games with four Phillies affiliates this year.”

De Renne is an infielder who was signed as a minor league free agent this spring. He was born on Honolulu.

Retro NightTomorrow night is 1980’s Retro Night. Phillies memorabilia from that era will be on display in the Mitchell & Ness Alley Store. Anthem: Tommy Conwell from Tommy Conwell and the Young Rumblers. Phillies photos on PhanaVision will be featured as TV characters from the 1980s.

Fans are encouraged to dress as they did in the 1980s. Not me. My leisure suite doesn’t fit. It shrank.

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